Social Issues

Human Sexuality
Jan Lawrence addresses Reconciling Ministries Network’s convocation held July 24-27, 2025, at First United Methodist Church in downtown Madison, Wis. Lawrence is retiring after serving as Reconciling Ministries Network’s executive director for nearly a decade. Many United Methodists credit her with helping to lead the denomination to a new day. File photo by Joscie Cutchens, UM News.

LGBTQ leader retires after pivotal changes

Jan Lawrence kept United Methodist advocates organized after the denomination strengthened bans against LGBTQ people and helped lead the way toward the longtime bans’ repeal.
Social Concerns
The Rev. Stephanie Vader. Photo courtesy of the author.

Pastor urges halt to troops’ presence in DC

The Rev. Stephanie Vader, a United Methodist pastor in Washington, D.C., raises alarms about the increasing number of National Guard troops in the nation’s capital.
Social Concerns
Church members from Ebenezer Temple of the Methodist Church of Togo greet Africa Methodist Council visitors after Sunday worship service on May 17 in Aného, Togo. Ebenezer, built in 1895, is the church’s oldest sanctuary. The council gathered leaders of Methodist denominations in Africa to discuss challenges on the continent and strengthen cooperation to help position the church as a prophetic voice for justice and peace. Photo by Eveline Chikwanah, UM News.

African Methodists pledge to speak out against injustice

Wesleyan leaders discuss challenges on the continent and applaud the impact of social amenities run by the church.
Social Concerns
The Rev. Keri Cress. Photo courtesy of the Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference.

Love of neighbor drives advocacy in political spaces

The Rev. Keri Cress doesn’t consider herself a political person, but she says her faith moves her to act.

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